When will this stifling heat end in Miami? Relief may be coming, but not this weekend
For you South Florida newcomers, here’s what us old-timers can tell you: We go to the extreme here.
And, yes, that goes for the weather.
Like the days and days of soggy storms giving way to days and days of stifling heat.
So will the heat ever end? Remember, it’s not even summer yet. But there may be a little break from the extreme heat soon if the region gets rain, as expected, according to forecasters.
But first, the National Weather Service in Miami has no plans to issue a heat advisory or heat warning through the holiday weekend despite the heat index — a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. Heat warnings and heat advisories require higher thresholds than what South Florida is expecting.
“The heat indexes are probably going to be in the low 100s, maybe up to 103 or so at its highest it looks like, and our threshold is 108 to send out an advisory, so we’re not going to have one,” said weather service meteorologist Will Redman. “But it is going to be hot and humid, obviously.”
Enough so in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties that the weather service has posted excessive heat outlooks in its hazardous weather reports for the tri-county area.
That means you’ll feel uncomfortable, and caution is advised for those vulnerable to high heat — like those with outdoor jobs, the elderly, pets and children. You should make sure to hydrate frequently — water is best. Wear light-colored clothing and try and seek shelter and AC.
When will it cool down?
A higher rain chance starting Monday could bring relief from what we have been feeling: temperatures in the 90s and feeling like over 100, according to CBS4 meteorologist Jennifer Correa and the National Weather Service in Miami.
This also means for this weekend’s holidays and their outdoor activities — both Juneteenth and Father’s Day are Sunday — you’ll be looking at temperatures in the extreme.
Where is it hotter than Miami?
But Miami isn’t the hottest spot in the country right now. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona, reports that temperatures will be up to 108 Thursday and over 100 on Friday, and that’s not the heat index (what you really feel like) but the regular high temperature.
Miami-Dade, you’re not even the hottest spot in Florida. Orlando and Central Florida broils at 97 on Saturday with a heat index of 105, according to the weather service in Melbourne.
Tampa Bay’s heat advisory warns of a possible 112 index Thursday, and on Juneteenth and Father’s Day Sunday the regular highs will be in the mid-90s.
Maybe you might want to consider a Florida Keys day trip. Yes, it will hit 90 Saturday in Key West, but the weather service has not issued excessive heat alerts for the island chain and rain chances are less than what other parts of South Florida may soon see.
Will it rain?
You could also get wet on Father’s Day because the rain chance bumps the ongoing 20% chance Friday and Saturday to 50% Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Miami. Monday sees those storm chances rise again to 60% before settling back down to 30% — and the heat switched back to the steam and dry cycle. The rain may ease the extreme heat.
Saharan dust ending?
And if you’re coughing a bit more mid-week that’s not because the proverbial lint trap hasn’t been cleaned out but, rather, Saharan Dust is lingering and about to depart. For a while, anyway.
But until it does by Friday, those sensitive to the somewhat hazy and dusty skies ought to limit their time outdoors, especially Thursday and Friday, according to CBS4 meteorologist Dave Warren.
This story was originally published June 16, 2022 at 1:48 PM.
